Learning Center

North Star Pendant

Creating a custom setting for a gemstone can help add your own personal signature to your creation. In the project video below, learn to make the North Star Pendant, featuring...

Introduction to Alphabet Finishing Touches Molds

Cool Tools Finishing Touches are silicone molds specially designed to create precise and repeatable shapes and adornments for metal clay. Each mold is complete with each letter of the alphabet...

Pattern Stencils for Metal Clay & Enameling

Add flair and dimension to your metal clay and enamel creations. Emboss metal clay with the red stencils; add colorful patterns to enameling with the blue stencils. Easy to clean...

Syringe Pendant

A syringe can be used for many things when designing with metal clay. The syringe is the perfect tool for creating ornate and delicate jewelry. In the project video below,...

Brass & Copper Ornaments

Some of the best holiday gifts you can give are handmade and come from the heart. Saving money where you can is often crucial during the holidays. In the project...

Syringe Setting

Glass gemstones feature beautiful colors that can make your jewelry pieces sparkle and shine. A unique way to set these gemstones, is a custom syringe setting. In the tool demo...

Leaf Textures in Metal Clay

Organic objects often make the most unique and stunning patterns. In the technique video below, learn to use a leaf to make beautiful, textured jewelry. Note: PMC is no longer...

Bronze Metal Clay Shield Pendant made with BRON...

If you are new to metal clay or bronze clay, this project is great for you! In this video we talk about BRONZclay characteristics and show you how to make...

Copper Dimple Earring

Dimple pliers will bring a smile to your face when you see what fun you can have with them! This video shows you how to take inexpensive pre-cut copper shapes...

Copper Riveted Bracelet

Make this simple bracelet and you'll be a riveting fool! You'll texture, form, patina and finish pre-cut copper shapes and then rivet them into a fabulous bracelet with an oh-so...

Patterned Brass Earrings

Use Gilders Paste to highlight the detail in filigree and finely detailed brass designs. The tools and supplies used in this video are listed below.

Cold Connections

Cold connection is a term that refers to the process of joining together two pieces of metal without the use of heat. A cold connection provides a beautiful, yet raw...

Soldering Technique - Earring Posts by Terri Mc...

Terri McCarthy, local artist, instructor and metalsmith from Grafton, WI visited Cool Tools to create this "How to" video. In this basic soldering video, learn how to solder an earring...

Soldering Technique - Joining Textured Metal by...

Terri McCarthy, local artist, instructor and metalsmith from Grafton, WI visited Cool Tools to create these "How to" videos. Terri demonstrates a technique using white-out to keep solder exactly where...

Stretching Bezel Wire for Cabochons by Terri Mc...

Terri McCarthy, local artist, instructor and metalsmith from Grafton, WI visited Cool Tools to create this "How to" video. Creating a bezel from patterned wire can be challenging... and making...

Annealing Metal

Working with lower gauge metals can sometimes be difficult while forming, bending and shaping. When creating jewelry, thick metals can take a lot of time and effort to get everything...

How to Make Headpins

Head pins can be used for so many things when creating jewelry. An easy way to save money is creating your own. In the tool demo below, learn to create...

Setting Up the Smith® Little Torch™ by Matt Bre...

In this video, Matt shows how to set up the Smith® Little Torch™. This portable torch is designed for intermittent use and uses a 14.1-oz. disposable propane and 1.1 cu....

Introduction to Faux Bone™ by Robert Dancik

Robert Dancik, artist, inventor and instructor, holds a Masters degree in sculpture from Northern Illinois University, and a BA in fine art from Adelphi University. He has been an artist/teacher...

Swanstrom Disc Cutter Demonstration by Jan Harrell

Jan Harrell, Metalsmith and Enamelist shows what a time saver this disc cutter is. This cutter will give you clean, consistent cuts over years of use, reducing the amount of...

Balling Wire with a Torch by Terri McCarthy

Terri McCarthy, local artist, instructor and metalsmith from Grafton, WI visited Cool Tools to demonstrate how easy it is to ball wire to make head pins and rivets using silver,...

Soldering Surfaces by Terri McCarthy

Terri McCarthy, local artist, instructor and metalsmith from Grafton, WI visited Cool Tools to differentiate between different soldering surfaces and their useful aspects. Soldering surfaces are listed below.

Soldering a Jump Ring & Silver Chain to an End ...

Terri McCarthy, local artist, instructor and metalsmith from Grafton, WI visited Cool Tools to show us an easy way to finish your next project. In this video Terri solders jump...

Basic Soldering Tools by Terri McCarthy

Terri McCarthy, local artist, instructor and metalsmith from Grafton, WI visited Cool Tools to show the basic tools for soldering. Terri walks us through the soldering tools needed for successful...

Wood Dapping Blocks to Shape Metal & Metal Clay

A dapping block is a tool that is used to shape metal into a domed or dapped shape. Dapping blocks can be made of wood or metal. Wood blocks are...

Using Twist Drills for Easier Drilling

A twist drill is designed just for drilling through metal and ejects metal as it cuts keeping if from clogging. Learn the proper way to drill through metal in this...

Lindstrom EX Pliers

The Lindstrom EX Series pliers are ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in the hand with maximum leverage. Spring returns are firm. Easily form heavy gauge and hard wire without nicking....

Working with Gilders Paste - Finger Application

Gilders Paste is a non-fading coloring medium for metal, glass, leather, ceramics, plastics and more. Permanent coloring can be sealed for outdoor use. There are many ways to work with...

Using Dimple Pliers

Dimple pliers are used to make dimples of various sizes in metal, metal clay and other materials. Dimple pliers take the place of a punch and hammer to make a...

Rubber Bench Block

Use below a bench block to absorb shock and deaden sound. Use as a platform for sanding, filing, finishing and even assembling metal clay works. Makes a perfect platform for...

Leather Sandbag

Use the sandbag to deaden sound and absorb shock and to cushion items such as when engraving, carving, and texturing metal. Use a sandbag to raise work off the surface...

Power Punch

The Power Punch is a great tool for making large holes in soft metals such as silver and copper up to 16 gauge. The Power Punch is easy to use...

Gilders Paste and Cool Slip

Use safe, non-flammable Cool Slip when working with Gilders Paste instead of hazardous products such as paint thinners and terpenoids. Use Cool Slip to thin, rehydrate and clean up Gilders...

Jump Ring Genie

Here's a super handy ring to have around! The Jump Ring Genie helps you open and close jump rings made of all kinds of metal in gauges from 24 to...

Butane Torch Troubleshooting

Butane torches are an inexpensive way to perform many small to medium tasks from firing metal clay to small soldering operations. Learn which fuel is right to keep your torch...

Using a Foredom® Bench Lathe

Finishing your jewelry pieces is one of the most important and valuable skills to have. In this tool demo, learn to use the Foredom Bench Lathe, and accessories, for quick...

Metal Clay Project Videos

Metal Clay Product & Technique Videos

Metal Clay Tips & Tricks

Metal Clay Tips and Tricks Clay Hydrator Every metal clay artist has gone back into an old opened package and found their leftover clay too dry to work with. Having...

Flex-Shaft Accessories

Flexible Shaft Machines provide a jewelry artist more options to easily get the job done. Adding an attachment to your hand piece, offers a whole new variety of applications for...

Making Custom Sanding Sticks

Finishing your jewelry creations properly, can make a huge difference in the final overall look and appeal of your piece. If you make a lot of jewelry, you know that...

Using Ring Forming Pliers

Forming ring shanks is an intricate and delicate technique. Traditionally, mandrels and hammers are used to form and shape your rings. In this tool demo, learn to use the Ring...

1 Step Looping Pliers

Learn to use the 1 Step Looping Pliers to make consistent loops quickly and easily. Creating eyepins can be a difficult and time-consuming task. Depending on your jewelry piece, you...

Bezel Tips

Problem solving is an important part of making fine jewelry. Sometimes, after soldering your bezel, the stone just does not fit back in the way it did before. Trying to...

Solder Cutting Pliers

Working with solder opens up thousands of possibilities when creating jewelry or working with metal. Having your solder cut and organized is a great way to speed up the soldering...

Hole Punching Pliers

Adding holes to your creations can be time consuming by the time you mark, drill and clean off burs. In the tool demo below, learn to use Hole Punching Pliers...

Wire Twisting Pliers

Wire is an essential element for creating all sorts of jewelry. One way to add interest to your piece is to use twisted or patterned wire in a variety of...

Jewelers Miter Cutting Vise

When soldering and creating jewelry, getting seamless joints and perfect edges is a difficult and time consuming task. An artist can spend a ton of time filing and cutting, while...

Interchangeable Texturing Hammer

Adding texture is the perfect way to add interest and appeal to your piece. One reliable way to add texture to metal is with a hammer. In the tool demo...

Wubbers Pliers

In the tool demo below, get to know Wubbers Pliers and open up a world of possibilities while designing. Cool Tools carries 28 different types of Wubbers Pliers. These high-quality...

Using a Smart Vise

Bench accessories can increase your productivity, and make the creating process much easier. Having a tool to hold your pieces can sometimes make all the difference. In the tool demo...

Easy Earwire Jig

Having a tool to easily make earwires can be useful and save a lot of money. In the tool demo below, learn to use the earwire jig, and in minutes...

Unique Patinas with VersaMark

One of the most beautiful looks you can add to your creations is a brilliant heat patina. The stunning colors and natural corrosion look is a quick and easy way...

Using a Micro Engraver

Custom designs engraved into metal results in some of the most unique and personalized pieces. Having a tool to quickly design, mark, or sign your pieces can be quite helpful....

Jump Ring Maker

Having a tool to easily manufacture your own jump rings can not only save you time, but also money. In this tool demo, learn to make any size jump rings...

Fretz Hammers

In the tool demo below, learn about high quality Fretz hammers, and learn how there's a perfect tool, for every job. Fretz hammers are the best quality jeweler's hammers, and...

Center Finder

The Center Finder makes your pieces perfectly symmetrical and accurate gives your jewelry a more professional feel. In the tool demo below, learn to use our center finder tool, so...

Fume Extractor

Having a properly ventilated work area is crucial, especially when firing and soldering. It is important to not only make your workstation a productive environment, but a healthy one as...

Knew Concepts Brand Saws

A jeweler’s saw is a cornerstone on any jewelry bench. Having a top of the line saw with all the features you need can be well worth the money and...

Simple Riveting System

Riveting and creating cold connections is a unique technique that adds a beautiful and raw look to your jewelry projects. However, drilling holes and flaring rivets can be challenging and...

Tabletop Swivel Bench Vise

A bench vise can be used for so many things, and every jeweler should have one. Having a vise that adjusts to fit any position can open up so many...

Metalsmithing Project Videos

Metalsmithing Product & Technique Videos

Getting Started in Metalsmithing

Getting Started in Metalsmithing Metalsmithing is the practice of forming and fabricating metal into jewelry. Metal jewelry is not limited to precious metals, like gold, silver and platinum, but can...

About Metalsmithing

About Metalsmithing Metalsmithing is the process of creating jewelry through the manipulation of various metals. These manipulations include forming and shaping, sawing, doming, foldforming, drilling, soldering, texturing, stamping and more....

Enameling Project Videos

Fine Silver Painting Powder For Enamel

Fine Silver Painting Powder for Enamel allows you to add hand painted details to your vitreous enamel projects. Handwrite a name or accent your enamels with designs of your own....

Pen Techniques with Mica Powder & Sunshine Enam...

Learn from Jan Harrell how you can use a dip pen to draw with Sunshine Enamels and Mica Powder! Sunshine Enamels and Mica Powder can be mixed with squeegee and...

Embellish Enamel Pieces with Fine Silver Accent...

In this quick technique video, Karen shows how to fuse pre-fired fine silver finishing touch accents into enamel. This technique is an easy way to combine metal clay and enameling....

Using Fine Line Black Underglaze Underneath Ena...

Learn how to apply fine line black underglaze underneath enamel to add contrast to your pieces. This technique is perfect for textured metals and metal clay. The tools and supplies...

Using Fine Line Black Underglaze and Sunshine E...

In this video, watch how easy it is to stamp Fine Line Underglaze onto our porcelain coated enameling squares. After firing, the piece becomes almost like a coloring book! Fill...

Using Stamps to Add Patterns to Enameled Pieces...

In this video, learn how easy it is use stamps for adding patterns to enameled pieces. This project can be done using either a kiln or torch. These beautifully detailed,...

Introduction to Enameling with Stencils by Jan ...

In this video, Jan Harrell demonstrates enameling with stencils on a variety of metal pieces to really make these pieces pop. She introduces Enameling Squares, which are cost effective 28...

Silk Screening Mica Powder on Enamel by Jan Har...

Jan Harrell is an Enamel list, Metalsmith, Sculptor and Instructor at the Glassell School of Art in Houston. In this video, Jan mixes Mica Powder and Liquate to apply silk...

Cyprus™ Copper Clay Enameled Ornaments by Karen...

Developed by artist, instructor and metal clay enthusiast, Cindy Silas, Cyprus Copper Clay is an excellent base metal clay medium for jewelry, crafts, sculpture and models. Offered in lump (wet)...

Enameling Tool Kit

Enamels are a great way to add color to your creations. In this tool demo, we'll show you everything you need to get started today. Learn to prepare your metals,...

Specialized Enameling Tools & Techniques

There are several specialized tools and techniques you can use when creating with enamels. In this tool demo, learn new ways to create beautiful and vibrant pieces with the right...

3M Diamond Files & Hand Laps

Diamond files are very useful when working with fragile materials or hard metals. Diamond files have small particles of industrial diamonds embedded in their surface, which make them ideal for...

Enameling Product & Technique Videos

 Firing Metal Clay

Choosing the Right Kiln Firing Schedules Kiln Manuals Operating Your Kiln Firing Metal Clay Tips Gemstone Firing Guide What Can I Torch Fire? Metal Clay Firing FAQs Watch Basics of...

About Metal Clay

About Metal Clay What is metal clay? Metal clay is a jewelry making material that can be used by just about anyone to create jewelry and small decorative objects. Metal...

Project Video - Creating Sketch Designs in Fine...

In this video, you'll learn how to create a coil (or what we like to call, snakes) in fine silver clay. Jennifer follows a heart sketch design with the coil....

Firing Enamel

Firing Enamels Selecting an Enameling Kiln The kiln should be programmable to at least 1600°F / 871°C. The door should open to the side (front loading) rather than a top...

About Enamel

The Basics Enameling is the art of fusing powdered glass onto metal to create designs. It is one of the oldest methods used to decorate metals. Enamel powder is applied,...

Polymer Clay

Polymer clay is a versatile and exciting medium for crafting jewelry. It comes in a wide range of colors and can be easily shaped, sculpted, and textured. The most common...

Metalsmithing

Metalsmithing jewelry is a fascinating and rewarding craft that involves the skillful manipulation of metals to create beautiful and intricate pieces. Metalsmithing techniques involve a combination of precision, artistry, and knowledge...

Metal Clay

Metal clay, a relatively recent innovation, has its roots in the 1990s. It was the brainchild of a Japanese artist who sought to create a malleable, moldable form of metal...

Enamel

Enameling is a fascinating art form that involves fusing powdered glass onto metal surfaces, creating vibrant and durable designs. Enamel is essentially powdered glass that, when heated to a high...

Resin Videos